Bayliner recently launched three new deckboat models and we think they could write a new chapter in the Bayliner saga. The 215 DB has much more functionality than the boat it replaces and a full interior fiberglass liner. Equally as important, the model has style as well. We think beef with sizzle is a winning combination. The boat also has a surprising number of innovations, plus several good design details we have been urging builders to incorporate for years. We tested this boat with the wind howling at 20 knots and a long fetch so we got insight into how she handles in conditions beyond her job description.

Key Features

Standard hull gel colors in Black, Patriot Blue and Red

Interior upgrade to Desert Sand

Standard helm windscreen may be replaced by an optional wraparound windshield, providing additional wind protection in the cockpit

Bayliner 215 DB (2014-) Captain's Report

The Bayliner 215 Deck Boat is a new model intended to give boaters more features and utility, as well as good performance. All new Bayliner deckboats have cockpit liners.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Bayliner 215 DB is to increase Bayliner's competitiveness in the popular and highly competitive deckboat market. Where previously we've seen Bayliner’s deckboats as simply open hulls with a lot of seating, now we're seeing much more functionality and creativity. Based on customer feedback, Bayliner discovered that over 30% of the dayboat market spends most of the day at the stern of the boat. For that reason, Bayliner focused a good portion of its new design on the aft seating at the swim platform.

The Bayliner 215 DB comes standard with a smoked windscreen seen at the bottom. The wraparound windshield is offered as an option, otherwise both models are the same. The extended swim platform is optional on both models.

Distinguishing Features

• Capacity for 12. Massive L-shaped seating in the cockpit and a wide bow that carries the beam well forward allows for plenty of seating inside the 215 DB.

• Three Across Transom Seating. Not only does she have lots of seating inside, she also has more seating at the transom to use when at anchor.

• Windshield or No Windshield. Buyers can choose between having a wraparound windshield with a center walkthrough or a small windscreen over the helm console and an open walkthrough.

• Removable Toy Storage Cubby Under the L-shaped seating is a plastic storage bin. This feature allows users to bring aboard a particular bin filled with the toys specific to the day’s mission, whether it is taking off to a remote beach, fishing, or simply heading out for a day on the water.

• Flip-Up Cockpit Table. Recessed into the starboard bulwarks. This makes a great use of space and eliminates the need to find a place to store the table and a pedestal, and the hassle of setting it all up.

• Compartmentalized Storage. The usual storage compartments are located under the bow seats and this time they feature a unique twist. Bayliner inserted removable dividers that separate the compartments into three individual storage spaces. This is a feature we've never seen before and the utility and functionality of it became immediately apparent as soon as the cushion was removed.

• Hull Gel -- Black, Patriot Blue and Red. I like colored hulls but most builders charge extra for it. The 215 DB comes standard with a Black, Patriot Blue or Red hull which will set the boat apart from the pack.

• Sterndrive Performance. The Bayliner 215 DB has an LOA of 20'7" (6.27 m), a beam of 8'6" (2.56 m) and a draft of 3’ (.91 m). With an empty weight of 4,027 lbs. (1,826 kg), 50 gallons (189 L) of fuel and two people on board we had a test weight of 4,747 lbs (2,153 kg).

• Best Cruise. Best cruise came in at 3000 rpm and 26.3 mph. That reduced the fuel burn to only 6.45 gph which the 215 DB could keep up for seven hours and 49 minutes and 202 miles while still maintaining a 10% fuel reserve.

We reached planing speed at 3.8 seconds, accelerated to 20 mph in 7.6 seconds and continued accelerating to 30 mph in 11.3 seconds.

Five Engine Options. The 215 DB Bayliner offers engines from 190-hp to 260-hp. We tested with the 220-hp engine so the performance seen in our test has only one way to go with the more powerful engines. This range of options allows consumers to match the horsepower to the application, expected load aboard, and wallet.

The Bayliner 215 DB has a top speed just under 46 mph with the base 4.3 L 220-hp engine.

Handling

Visibility at the helm was limited by the upper frame of the optional windshield that was right in my line of sight at no wake speed. However, at cruise speed the 215 DB has a five-degree bow high attitude which brings the center of the windshield directly in line of sight. Upon accelerating the bow comes up 16-degrees while staying well below the line of the horizon.

Above the rubrail the 215 DB presents the squared off foredeck of the deckboat, but below she's all V-hull with a 16-degree deadrise at the transom.

Bringing the trim up to the 1/4 mark on the trim gauge brought us into the five-degree cruising attitude where she seems to perform best. When turning, the 215 DB exhibits a 12-degree lean into the turns.

Rough Water Test. We tested her in Sarasota Bay when it was blowing over 20 knots and there was a long fetch making the conditions so sloppy our photo boat had a hard time getting any video footage capable of being watched. Virtually all deckboats are intended for use in protected water and that is why they generally have low freeboard. In other words, we had the 215 DB in conditions beyond her intended envelope.

Nevertheless, on the straight at high speed she stayed in control and did not oscillate. She handled following seas well because of her speed and the built-in buoyancy just under her foredeck. In beam seas she did rock back and forth from chine to chine as one might expect in such conditions.

The 215 DB has an average cockpit depth of 32" which is quite deep for this type of boat, and in fact is more than some conventional bowriders this size. Overall, I came away with respect for this boat's ability to take care of herself in snotty conditions.

In turns, the 215 DB leans 12-degrees into it.

At no-wake speed the upper frame of the windshield is right in my line of sight, but at cruise visibility is excellent.

Features Walkthrough

Stern

The stern received the major portion of the design creativity in the 215 DB. Customer feedback shows that a full 20% of the dayboat market spends most of their time at the stern, therefore it quickly became apparent that the same-old-same-old was not going to cut it. Here, Bayliner went with three across seating in a chaise lounge configuration. The port seat lifts to reveal storage underneath with the seat/hatch held open by dual gas assist struts.

The seatbacks also elevate and get propped up by stands tucked behind. Frankly, all that's missing from the equation are drink holders and a stereo remote.

Three across seating at the stern makes for a great place to hang out at any time that the 215 DB is not underway. Notice the chromed engine vents underneath. This aft seating is one of the big differences between the 215 DB and her outboard-powered sister, the 210 DB.

The seatbacks can be propped up for those that don't need to be fully reclined in chaise lounge position.

The portside seat lifts to reveal storage underneath.

Standard Extended Swim Platform. It's surprising that Bayliner included a 2’ (.6 m) extended swim platform added to the 14” (35.6 cm) molded platform as a standard feature, simply because most affordable boats have this item as an option. It's a "must-have" addition for any boat destined to provide the space to easily launch towing as well as to be a comfortable swim platform. High marks to Bayliner for including it.

A three-step reboarding ladder is mounted under the starboard quarter, directly in line with the walkthrough to the cockpit. When it comes to functionality of the stern at anchor, the 215 DB will be hard to beat no matter how expensive the boat.

The extended swim platform is optional and includes a three-step reboarding ladder to starboard, in clear sight of the helm.

Engine Compartment

The 215 DB is a sterndrive-powered boat and the engine is accessed by manually lifting a hatch at the stern. A grab handle is exposed by pulling the seat cushion forward and reaching just under the seat back. Two gas-assist struts hold the hatch in the open position. The installation itself was a little tight but considering that no one will be crawling into this compartment, Bayliner did a good job of ensuring that the installation still allowed for easy access for daily engine checks and light maintenance.

The engine is accessed by lifting a hatch that is held open by dual gas assist struts. Notice the seat to the right of the shot remains stationary.

The aluminum fuel tank has a diurnal vent filtration system, the same equipment used on more expensive boats. The bilge pump is manually operated by a switch at the helm. There is room to the side of the engine for the battery, but Bayliner has chosen not to place it there. Rather, it is located inside the cockpit under the corner of the L-shaped seating where it is easier to access and install.

At the bottom of the image is the electric bilge pump which is activated by a switch on the dash. To the left of the engine is the hose for the transom shower right next to an insulated cooler mounted in the deck to the walk-through to the cockpit.

Options For Increased Utility

To give its customers extra utility, Bayliner makes a couple of optional packages available so the whole family can enjoy their favorite watersports.

Flight Series Option

Our test boat was equipped with a Flight Series package that really added to the looks and functionality of the 215 DB. It includes the swim platform extension and a collapsible tower with the tow point 6'10" (2.08 m) off the deck. Board racks mounted to the outside of the tower will hold four racks in addition to any going into the usual sole storage compartment. The package also includes hull side graphics that, along with the forward facing tower, a Bimini top with boot, a color choice of Black, Red and Blue with deck gel strioe included and a stainless steel upgrade package, really adds to the "eye-candy" appeal to the 215 DB.

The Flight Series package includes the hull side graphics and wakeboard tower (shown here without the board racks and integrated Bimini top).

The optional Flight Series tower with the Bimini top installed.

By removing a nut at the rear arch support, the wakeboard tower is able to collapse towards the windshield reducing the clearance so that the 215 DB can fit into a garage. Hint… wait till the boat is on the trailer to remove the nut.

The cockpit is entered by a step down from the stern. As noted above, all three of Bayliner's new deckboats have full fiberglass interior liners. The L-shaped seating surrounding the cockpit not only allows for plenty of people to gather around but also adds to the comfort level of the 215 DB. It includes an aft facing chaise lounge and there's the usual storage under the seats with one unique exception.

Underneath the portside seat is a removable clear plastic bin, typical used to store goods at home in the basement, garage or attic that keep moisture out. Bayliner's clever concept is to provide a dedicated space for interchangeable activity-specific bins. Going out fishing? Grab the fishing gear bin. Heading to the beach? Grab the bin with the snorkels, masks and frisbees.

A space for removable storage bins allows for easy packing of the day's supplies, regardless of what the mission happens to be.

At the walkthrough to the cockpit there's a transom shower and an in-deck insulated storage compartment that can be used as a cooler or a fish box.

In addition to being an excellent gathering spot, the cockpit also serves as a convenient impromptu dining area. A flip up table is recessed into the starboard bulwarks and when deployed is within easy reach of not only the rear of the L-shaped seating but the swiveled helm seat, too.

Bayliner was thinking out of the box when it located the battery here under the seat, making it easy to install, jump, and available to power air pumps without having to get into the engine room.

The cockpit table is seen here in the retracted position nestled in the starboard bulwarks.

… and the table seen here in the deployed position. Underneath, a flip out support holds the table in the elevated position.

Sole Storage

The sole storage compartment on the 215 DB is huge. It runs fore and aft 7'3" (2.2 m), has a depth of 14'' (35.6 cm) and the opening measures 40" x 14" (102 cm x 35.6 cm), easily making the compartment large enough for additional kneeboard, wakeboard or ski storage. The hatch is held open by a gas assist strut and a latch locks automatically upon closing, as opposed to having to turn it in just the right direction. This is another little detail that I like and I wish all builders would adopt it.

The snap in carpeting on the deck is optional.

The sole storage locker is more than large enough to accommodate wakeboards.

Helm Console

The helm has been completely redesigned rather than simply picking up with the same design from previous models. The panel remains a bright white but the angle of the optional windshield removed any concerns about glare. Gone are the mundane white-faced gauges with chrome bezels and in their place are much more modern 3-in-1 gauges with a pair of smaller gauges embedded in the lower right-hand corners.

Bayliner completely redesigned the helm of this boat with a functional, clean layout.

Dual multifunction gauges reduce clutter. The covered compartment underneath is self draining and rubber padding lines the bottom. This compartment is ideal for cell phones, keys and other small items. A space below the trim gauge will accommodate an optional digital depth indicator.

Bayliner thoughtfully added two drink holders in the panel, a nice touch as one generally gets used for holding anything but drinks. A standard stereo remote is to the left of the panel. Dual rows of rocker switches flank the black three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel mounted to a tilt base. The only area that could use a little rethinking is how the 12V supply is on the complete opposite side of the panel from the MP3 port. This means the typical user will have a wire running across the dash, in one direction or another, from the MP3 player.

I am very happy to see a covered self draining storage compartment below the gauges for an operator to put "stuff". I have been urging builders to do this for years and I'm happy to see that the Bayliner designers agree.

Bayliner added an armrest next to the helm seat. A hinged top to take advantage of the space inside for storage would be my suggestion for the Mark II version.

A door to the left of the console opens to reveal storage that includes dedicated space for a 25 quart (23.6 L) carry-on cooler. The door is secured with a stainless piano hinge and it closes against the gasket, completely surrounding the opening to eliminate annoying vibration while the 215 DB is underway.

The port console comes standard as a roomy storage compartment that can be easily made into a head with the addition of an optional Porta-Potti. A strap at the hinge point prevents the door from opening far enough to slam into the helm console. It's cramped inside with headroom measuring 3'6" (1.1 m), so, in the head configuration, it certainly won't be used for any "false alarms". But sexist as it may sound, with women aboard necessity trumps comfort so high marks to Bayliner for including the option. It's also ideal for children. An opening portlight in the hull provides ventilation.

The port console can be used for storage or an optional Porta-Potti converts it to a head.

Bow Seating

The space between the dual consoles is 20” (51 cm) wide and leads to a wide open bow that is characteristic of the deckboat genre. With the beam being carried so far forward I measured 5'11" (1.8 m) between the padded bolsters and 2'6" (.8 m) between the seat cushions for the foot well.

While seated there was just enough room for me to stretch my legs to the forward seat backs and with the seatbacks raised slightly above the caprails, it creates a padded armrest wrapping around the bow. Speakers and grab handles are tucked underneath the side bolsters. A strap at the inside of the cushions not only adds another grab point but also allows for easy removal of the cushions and serves as another example of how Bayliner has gotten the hang of adding thoughtful features that don't add much expense.

The bow offers plenty of room for seating and an optional filler cushion will turn the entire space into a sun pad.

Clever Storage Forward.

Of course there are the usual accommodations for storage underneath the forward cushions, but Bayliner added a little creativity here as well. Inside the side storage compartments are dividers that, in effect, separate the compartment into three individual storage bins. The dividers are removable making the storage customizable. This is a clever feature that we've never seen before and the utility and functionality of it became apparent as soon as the cushion was removed. The forward cushion is also removable to reveal covered storage.

Here’s an interesting feature… the storage compartments under the two side seats are compartmentalized and the dividers are easily removed to customize the storage.

Foredeck

Forward of the bow seating is deck space with hatches over two storage compartments flanking a concealed three-step beach reboarding ladder. This not only serves as a great spot for jumping into the water, but adds to the functionality of the 215 DB should an owner choose to add the optional fishing package that will have a pedestal seat and a trolling motor in this location.

Pricing

The MSRP including freight, fees, fuel surcharge and some options is $36,863 with the standard 220-hp MPI/A1 4.3 L carbureted V-6 engine. (If you are wondering how a carbureted engine can be available in the U.S. -- outside of California -- the answer is because like the auto industry, companies in the marine business must meet overall emission requirements for the engines it sells in any given year. So some engines make up for others and it is the job of the builder to keep track.)

When I look over the options list I see three items that I would recommend: 1) a cockpit cover, $700; 2) a Bimini top with boot, $786; and, 3) the swim platform extension, $843.

The bow of the 215 DB offers roomy storage compartments to either side of a concealed three-step reboarding ladder.

Observations

Bayliner set out to re-create its deckboat lineup and it's clear that its designers surveyed the most popular deckboats on the market and tried to incorporate the best features in the new Bayliner 215 DB. She is loaded with thoughtful features, and a good dose of innovations that are sure to elevate Bayliner’s competitive stance in the deckboat arena.

An outboard version of the Bayliner 215 DB is also available. She is called the 210 DB and comes standard with a 150-hp EFI 4-stroke Mercury. While the forward 75% of the boat is the same as the 215, the stern configuration is quite different and I think anyone in the market for a deckboat should at least take a look at the outboard iteration. Our test and full Captain's Report can be found here…

Bayliner 215 DB (2014-) Test Result Highlights

Best cruise for the Bayliner 215 DB (2014-) is 26.3 mph (42.3 kph), and the boat gets 4.08 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.73 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 202 miles (325.09 kilometers).

Bayliner 215 DB (2014-) Warranty

Bayliner 215 DB (2014-) Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.

Full Warranty Information on this brand coming soon!

Bayliner 215 DB (2014-) Price

Bayliner 215 DB (2014-) Price

Pricing Range

$34,399.00

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.